A member of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, popularly known as Bala Kelly, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State.
The lawmaker, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, announced his defection during a visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Gombe State Liaison Office in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, El-Rasheed formally presented his APC membership card to Governor Yahaya during the visit. The statement noted that the membership card was obtained from his ward in Dukku Local Government Area as part of the party’s ongoing e-registration and revalidation exercise.
Explaining his decision, the federal lawmaker praised Governor Yahaya’s progressive leadership style and people-oriented policies, as well as the developmental strides recorded across Gombe State. He also cited the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a key factor that influenced his move to the ruling party.
Bala Kelly described the APC as a stronger platform capable of delivering sustainable development and good governance, pledging his “unalloyed loyalty and commitment” to the party and its leadership under Governor Yahaya.
In his response, Governor Yahaya welcomed the lawmaker into the APC, commending his courage and conviction in making the switch. The governor assured him of a level playing field within the party and urged him to work closely with stakeholders to advance the party’s development agenda.
He also encouraged the lawmaker to focus on delivering dividends of democracy to his constituents, Gombe State, and Nigeria as a whole.